This diet is no ‘Dud’ or is it?

There has been an ever evolving litany of diets published over the years which have touted successes from losing that stubborn midlife weight gain to curing cancer.  Mind you, some have achieved immediate traction while others quickly have failed simply because of their impractical precepts.  The human body is a remarkable, miraculously engineered marvel made up of intricately balanced parts performing regularly at a level of unparalleled perfection.  Even when disruptive forces arise, the body wants to correct the imbalances to preserve its functional capacity, a beautifully conceived creation indeed.  However, every so often we push ourselves to the limit of reasonableness, and that's where this story begins.

What would you say if I told you that you could eat all the protein that you wanted but must drastically restrict your carbohydrates?  There are diet experts who believe this is the desired method for weight loss. I suspect you've heard of the more recognizable Atkins or South Beach diets too; and for the all the non dieters out there, the "see food" diet seems to be quite popular.  Sadly, this is the one diet that seems to be a good "fit" for the largest number of individuals in our society. Even with all these options, other diets continue to surface and become popular.  The true test will come over time, but nothing will replace a good old fashioned, balanced diet, unless it's a "dud".

One of my friends has done multiple endurance athletic events, including an Ironman, several marathons and long distance trail runs to name just a few.  Her sheer willpower and determination is remarkable to say the least.  I marvel at her ability to commit to something and even in the face of setbacks, she perseveres and achieves her goals; noble qualities at any level.  However, what perhaps has me most puzzled is her ability to do much of this on a rather unconventional diet to say the least.  Most athletes today pay very strict attention to their diets and the intake of, shall we say junk food, is nearly forbidden.  Why even Tom Brady has explained his absolute adherence to such restrictions, especially during his playing days.  However, there are those who don't follow conventional wisdom.

If I told you that I was going to propose a diet strictly of peanut butter, corn chips with the occasional salsa, protein bars, and Milk Duds you probably would look me straight in the eye and say I was nuts.  I'd agree that it does appear to be rather restrictive to some, but if you follow it religiously, you will be able to compete in the Ironman and do a variety of other endurance events, if you wish to do so.  Sound suspect?  Well, what I would say is that it isn't for everyone.  In fact, it may only be for one unique individual, who would probably have most of us for lunch on race day.  Now that's a diet my friend would surely feast on!

It was just supposed to be coffee

Oftentimes, when people meet and begin developing a friendship, simple outings or gatherings serve as cornerstones from which the rest of that relationship seems to evolve.  In the movie, "You've Got Mail", Tom Hanks reveals to Meg Ryan that, if he had met her under different circumstances, he would have asked her for her phone number and from there he'd have asked her to go for coffee, for drinks, dinner or a movie.  These are nonthreatening, logical ways to spend time getting to know one another.  Nowadays, people rely on technology to meet, such as dating websites, yet these basic, historically safe encounters still remain a fundamental part of the process.  Regardless of the method used, it is all about how people meet and how they progress through those various and sometimes awkward stages of getting acquainted.  It is truly remarkable how such brief moments in time may influence the trajectory of one's life; very powerful indeed.

What follows is much like comparing it to the morning commute.  If the traffic is light, then it may not take as long to get to the next destination; however, if it is rush hour, then all bets are off and you find yourself maneuvering in and out of jams, just to move ahead.  Occasionally, you encounter major detours, but even those don't have to be monumental.  You simply have to find an alternate route.  There is roadside assistance, highway patrol, and rest areas along the way, all of which are circulating in the background to support the process.  Hopefully, we don't need to enlist their help, but it is reassuring to have those services available when we need them.  Of course, what we all want to avoid the dreaded accident.  That may present significant issues and the consequences could be emotionally devastating.

Hypothetically then, you exchange phone numbers; perhaps there are several phone conversations even before agreeing to coffee or something more.  Of course, you probably make your own arrangements for transportation for fear that, if things go dramatically off the rails, there is a means of "escaping".  This is all part of the process of this thing  I have called predating.

There is no set timeline for any of these events either; it just seems to take on a life of its own.  There are the usual planned activities and some are more spontaneous.  It's a refreshing mix and part of the intrigue.  Equally, I do believe that the personalities of the parties involved contributes greatly too.  There are any numbers of factors that garner influence, but in the end, it all takes time, continued interest, and a modicum of effort for the process to move forward.

So, where does this all lead?  The possibilities are just as varied as there are flavors of coffee today, and it all might begin with that simple cup of java.  Given the variety and absolute number of coffee shops today,  this whole experience may be "unavoidable".  Who would have thought that such a common everyday behavior could be something created by the coffee industry to propagate the masses?  Here I am thinking, it was just supposed be coffee.  C'est la vie!

Penny Candy

In an era not long ago, cities and towns across America and for that matter worldwide had neighborhood convenience stores.  The concept of the large superstore hadn't yet been brought to the masses and most of us relied on these oftentimes, family owned businesses to be there for the basic food emergencies.  My experience was just that with a little twist.  Allow me to explain.

The neighborhood store was there as a lifeline for my friends and me when it was too far to walk home to fetch a snack. The oasis in the "hood" provided the perfect blend of needs and wants for a child.   What young kid could make it through the day without a few treats to survive to dinner?  Well, all I can say is thanks to the many people who provided this critical service at a time when the neighborhood was an extension of the back yard play ground.

In my home town, I could name dozens of such establishments.  The businesses survived on the daily foot traffic from the locals and in those days, most of the patrons came on foot, as not all families even had a car or cars.  I remember such places as Ted's, MacNevin's, Cote's, Antelle's, Liberty Market, Belanger's, Rallis' , The Elm Street Cash Market, and even a place called Dowdy's.  They served as cornerstones of the local commerce.

Back in the day however, soda bottles had a 2 cent return and all of these places would gladly take in the bottles.  We'd line our pockets with the cold hard cash for only a moment ,however; this windfall afforded us purchasing power and we wasted little time spending it.  This behavior really served 2 purposes, the bottles got returned and we had "piggy banks" that looked more like trash barrels!  If you recall, there was an old Cracker Jacks commercial that demonstrated this vey point.  The young boy traded in in his jacks and a few pennies to pay for his box of CJ!  Those were the days.

On saturday afternoons in the fall, the high school would play their home football games just down the street in a WPA era built stadium.  I wasn't much for watching the games in those days but if it was a warm, sunny afternoon, my friends and I would wander down to the stadium to catch the second half of the game.  By that time, we were permitted to enter without paying.  Something we could "afford" on our budgets.  After the patrons departed, my friends and I cashed in by starting to collect the empty soda bottles, and the pennies were adding up.  The challenge was hauling our loot to the store, but we managed for the rewards were sweet!  Depending on how much we actually collected, we could get an ice cream, a bottle of tonic, and some penny candy.  We were living the dream; it was free money and we could do with it as we pleased.  After the owner of Belanger's filled our small brown bags full, we'd go out to sit on the stone wall and bask in the Sun with smiles of our faces.  Heaven on earth, or at least for awhile.

This scenario repeated itself as long as the warm weather was on our side.  We'd pick up bottles at the town park too and head to Ted's, different store, same outcome.  We were financial wizards of sorts.  I remember pointing to the candy through the glass case and muttering, "I'll have one of those and two of those, until we had spent our net worth.  As they say, another day another handful of pennies for us!

As I reflect on this little part of my youth, I now realize just how fortunate I was to have this whole experience.  Kids today likely don't get this kind of opportunity.  We were outside for hours roaming the streets, without a care in the world.  If hunger struck and we could find some returnables, the neighborhood stores were open for business.  More importantly, however, we were resourceful, had enough when we needed it, and the store owners welcomed their patrons, both young and old.  It was oh so sweet!

I Feel the Need for Speed...Golf

In the movie, Top Gun, there is a scene where Maverick and Goose were preparing for their training mission and high-fived each other while blurting out that they felt the need for speed!  The expression has become an iconic movie line. 

When I trained for the Ironman in Lake Placid, NY in 1999,  I had come across an article discussing speed golfing.  I had put my golfing interests aside to focus on the monumental task of training for an IM.  However, to keep things interesting during a family vacation, I picked up the sticks to do some of my run training while playing a few holes of golf.  There was a par 3 course at the resort, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do some sprint training on a softer surface.

The par 3 course was quite typical,  a 1000 yards long and most of the holes were around a 100 yards.  So, I selected my 3 clubs accordingly, a putter, a 9 iron, and a wedge, plenty enough for this tract of real estate.  I simply carried my clubs in one hand, put a few balls in my pocket and off I went.  Although I had begun my IM training in earnest, I wasn't as well prepared for this iteration of run training, as I expected.  However, after successive rounds, it became easier, and the scoring improved too.  In an hours time, I managed to play 45 holes and was able to break 30 at least twice, no aces on the card, however.  All in all, a fun "day" on the links and an interesting twist to a game I had grown up playing.  

Earlier last year, I received a notification for SGUSA's US Open in friendly upstate NY.  Coincidentally, it was being held in the community where I did my residency training.  I have some dear friends still living in the area so the invitation to compete in this event provided the inertia to rekindle that enthusiasm for golf but without the lengthy commitment of time, a perfect combination.

I actually had been training for a short distance triathlon, so naturally, I thought I'd be in a good position to "just do it", not appreciating that the golfing element wasn't going to be quite so easy this time.  We played at 2 separate venues, each measuring out at over 6000 yards and the heat index approached 100 degrees.  I'll be the first to admit now that this was quite an undertaking, but one I haven't regretted at all.  In fact, the experience has generated a new found love of golf, coupled with a passion to be outdoors while "running",  a veritable trifecta of fun.

Although my first foray into this arena has been, shall we say, a long run spoiled, I have thoroughly enjoyed the adventure.  However, I can see the potential for this sport to take off, and I'm excited to be a part of the "club"!

When Running Ceases to Be

Thanksgiving is marked by many celebrations. including the famous Macy's, Thanksgiving Day parade and the seemingly endless opportunities to view football games.  Couple that with an abundance of food choices and you have the makings for a traditional Thanksgiving Day holiday menu of events. Additionally, oftentimes there is a game of touch football or the local road race featuring a pie for all finishers.  Indeed, the bounty is as diverse as it is plentiful, but long before the tryptophan hangover slows you down, you might fall victim to the effects of Father Time.  Here's my story.

Starting the Thanksgiving Day celebration off with some sort of exercise has typically been an activity that many openly embrace, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of turkey trots across this land.  Why wouldn't you?  After all, the calorie consumption per person far exceeds the usual intake of most other days.  However, regardless of the  amount of caloric expenditure, there is little many of us can actually do to balance that equation, but it sure makes us feel better about it.  Of course, the added benefit is the sheer pleasure of being able to join the fun.

Well, if you spend Thanksgiving at my brother and sister in law's home, the day begins with a light snack followed by a call to mobilize for the local turkey trot.  The weather certainly influences the mood, but little can deter the high level of holiday emotion.  We've run in the cold, the rain, ice and snow but no matter the conditions, the exuberance wasn't dampened.

Although participating in these events is a bonus at my age, running actually brings on a new meaning.  During a recent race,  I was running along at my customary and comfortable pace when I began to notice that the people ahead of me were getting further away and there were a disproportionate number of individuals passing me.  What was this unfamiliar phenomenon?  I had rarely experienced such a thing.  In fact, I was proud of the fact that I oftentimes ran negative splits ie. running the second half of a race faster than the first half.  But the epiphany moment came when the majority of people passing me were the walkers and families with baby strollers.  What had become of my days as a runner?  I was  simply enough, lost in transition.  I realized I was at my physiologic limit and even that wasn't quick enough to be running.  OMG!

Although I finished the race, I may as well have been the "last man standing", but it wasn't as traumatic as it all appeared.  I had participated in an event where people were having fun doing what they enjoyed doing, all the while working off a few calories before indulging in a few more.  But most importantly, I was alive, breathing in fresh air, and able to process the whole ordeal.  For that alone, I can give thanks!

Lessons from Life

I am truly humbled to be inducted into the Amesbury Educational Foundation’s Hall of Honor.  I’d like to thank the members of  the entire AEFI committee for their tireless work, genuine concern for the community and their ongoing efforts in support of the students and educators who benefit so richly from their actions. I’d also like to thank those who nominated me and wrote letters of support.  I’m honored to join such a distinguished group of individuals, and through your support, AEFI will continue their vital mission.

My class of 1974 is currently planning our 50th class reunion and this whole experience has prompted me to do some reflection.  The first thing that comes to my mind is, “where have those 50 years gone?”  It seems like just yesterday that I was embarking on this journey and now I am processing the stark reality of just how quickly time passes.  My education began right here in Amesbury, something which provided an excellent foundation for my future pursuits.

As you have heard, I am Dr. S. However, when I was in grade school and later in high school, I was known simply as Steve, Stephen, or The Schizz.  The real Dr. S was my father, a friend to all and a beloved family doctor to so many in this community.  

When I joined him in practice, people had difficulty telling us apart on the phone because our voices were so similar, so my father dubbed me the young Dr S;  a title I still enjoy using on occasion.  

My gray hair is a reminder that the young part is no longer needed.

From the very beginning learning becomes part of our lives, and hopefully, embeds itself as a lifelong pursuit. Oftentimes, we follow our mentors, be it a family member or a teacher or that singular person or persons who help influence our lives and perhaps even guide us onto a career path.

Like many young kids I imagined myself playing ML Baseball, or becoming a fireman, or a carpenter, but before long I just wanted to work alongside my father, so I set my sights on becoming a physician.  The dedication and hard work were just commitments to that greater goal, something that frankly never even crossed my mind.

I confronted the usual academic obstacles and managed to circumnavigate them with an unwavering resolve.  However, those experiences provided valuable insights for a career dedicated to solving problems and helping people. 

In fact, life is made up of an infinite number of crossroads with choices.  The road we choose is not always easy or obvious, but the destination we set should remain crystal clear. That’s what makes life the journey that it is, our personal adventure.

The practice of medicine has offered me a unique opportunity to serve people, yet it carries a heavy burden of responsibility.  However, caring for and aiding people in any capacity ought to be at our very core, regardless of what we do.  

Although medicine has been my life, my passions outside of work are my family, my friends, and regular exercise.  I once made running the Boston Marathon, a goal which I first did in 1986.  Since then I have been fortunate to have participated in many other athletic events, but my own love of exercise has transformed my ability to counsel patients about many facets of life including the merits of regular exercise, nutrition, rest, hydration, even rehabilitation after illness or injury, as well as the psychosocial implications that go along with it.  

When I consider the value of this to my practice , I am frequently reminded by its contribution to me, both professionally and personally.

Sharing this with patients, encouraging them to take personal responsibility for their own health and instilling hope have been mainstays of my practice.

Patients have oftentimes asked me what I was training for, and I’d just say, “I’m training for life!”

Regretfully, even with regular exercise, none of us will escape this thing called aging.  We simply must adjust our expectations and embrace them.  

The frequent participation in such formal events as the marathon is now a rarity. However, when the Marathon bombing occurred,  I like everyone else was frightened, angered, but more than that motivated to be a part of the marathon again.  I looked at my father and said, “they are going to need more physicians next year because of this and I am going to volunteer.”  He looked at me and said, "What a great idea.”  I just volunteered for my 11th Marathon and felt a similar sense of accomplishment, just as I had by running it in 1986.  

I am reminded that kindness and service to others are their own gifts, values I learned growing up right here in Amesbury.

I’d like to conclude my remarks this evening with a quote from the late, great Maya Angelou…

“People may forget what you said…people may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

My hope is that I have made people feel better by what I have done for them!

Man, I had it Easy

Dear Lorenzo...Larry...Lawrence Arturo

As you approach your seventh decade of life, I want to wish you Happy Birthday and may you enjoy many more to come. Of course, as I think of the many years we've had together, there are such a vast number of memories that flood my mind. 

 You are and always will be my older brother and for that I am fortunate. You were a Yankee in Little League and we all become Yankees. You made it easy. 

Your Boy Scouting experience taught you how to use a Coleman stove which you in turn taught all of us to use.  You were the master packer for our cross country trips, each piece of luggage had its appointed place in the trailer and you made it all fit in like a puzzle.  You made it easy.

 You followed Jean, a trail blazer to Title IX, by continuing to play both basketball and baseball. That paved the way for me. You made it easy. 

 You followed Jean and Betsy to UMASS and then took me under your wing during my first semester when I had Leo T. Baldwin for a roommate. You introduced me to your friends, we shared classes such as star gazing, basketball, and Genetics together. You made it easy. 

 We started out in Guadalajara together and once again you introduced me to your friends, before leaving for BU. You made it easy. 

 You joined Dad after residency to "hold down the fort" before my arrival a year later. You made it easy. 

 You encouraged me to attend Molly's graduation from SLU during a difficult time, and that forever changed my relationship with her. For that, I will be forever grateful. You made it easy. 

 Now, with Mary you have welcomed 4 wonderful daughters, in-laws and grandchildren into your life and we all have enjoyed their presence in ours. You made it easy. 

 So, as you embark on this next decade, your 70's, thank you for being my older brother. Man I had it easy!

 Love you, Happy Birthday and enjoy continued good health and happiness for many years to come. Stephen